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Cholera and Vibrio parahaemolyticus diarrhoea endemicity in Calabar, Nigeria
S J Utsalo1, F O Eko, O E Antia-Obong
1Department of Medical Microbiology & parasitology, University of Calabar, Teaching Hospital.
Insights
This study investigated bacterial causes of acute diarrhea in 881 patients. Escherichia coli, Vibrio species, Shigella, and Salmonella were identified, with Vibrio infections predominantly affecting young children.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Acute diarrheal diseases pose a significant public health challenge, particularly in developing regions.
- Understanding the microbiological etiology and associated morbidity is crucial for effective disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the microbiological profiles of acute diarrheal episodes.
- To investigate the morbidity and mortality associated with bacterial diarrheas.
- To explore the influence of ecological factors on diarrheal disease patterns.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 881 patients presenting with acute diarrhea.
- Bacteriological culture and identification of causative agents.
- Clinical data collection on patient demographics, symptoms, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- 108 (12.3%) cases of bacterial diarrhea were confirmed.
- Escherichia coli (43.5%) was the most common pathogen, followed by Vibrio species (30.6%), Shigella spp. (17.7%), and Salmonella spp. (8.3%).
- Vibrio infections were more prevalent in children under 10 years; a fatal case involved V. parahaemolyticus in an infant with kwashiorkor. Cholera outbreaks peaked during dry seasons, coinciding with water shortages.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial pathogens, notably E. coli and Vibrio species, are significant causes of acute diarrhea in the studied population.
- Vulnerable groups, such as young children and malnourished individuals, are at higher risk of severe outcomes.
- Environmental factors, including water availability, play a role in the epidemiology of diarrheal diseases like cholera.
Abstract:
The microbiological and morbidity profiles of acute diarrhoeal episodes were studied in 881 patients seen at the Out-Patients Department of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Calabar, between January and December, 1988. Of a total of 108 (12.3%) culturally confirmed bacterial diarrhoeas, 47 (43.5%) were due to Escherichia coli, 33 (30.6%) to vibrios (Vibrio cholerae-01; classical and E1 Tor biotypes and V. parahaemolyticus), while shigella spp. and salmonella. spp. accounted for 29 (17.7%) and 9 (8.3%) episodes respectively. Twenty (64.5%) of the patients with vibrio diarrhoeas were children less than or equal to 10 years. The only case of diarrhoea-associated death observed, involved an 8-month old infant with kwashiorkor and V. parahaemolyticus infection. Bimodal peaks of cholera episodes occurred during the dry season and appeared to coincide with acute water shortage periods in the municipality. The significance of some prevailing ecological factors in stabilizing a focus of cholera and halophilic vibrio diarrhoea endemicity in this region is discussed.